584 EAPTORES, OE BIEDS OF PEEY. 



name is not Edme, but Peter.' The servant actually believed 

 that it was a man calling, so much did the voice of the Owl 

 resemble that of a human being, and so distinctly did it articulate 

 the word." 



The bird-catchers of Tessin employ the Sparrow Owl for 

 enticing birds into their nests. If* taken when very young it is 

 easily tamed, and shows itself sensible of attention. M. Bailly 

 possessed one which exhibited much satisfaction when rubbed on 

 the breast, back, or head. It would remain perfectly immovable, 

 sometimes on its chest, and sometimes on its back, showing in 

 every way the pleasure it felt. 



In Northern Italy this bird is reared in captivity ; it feeds 

 on mice, and even eats fruit and j)olenta. M. Gerard relates 

 that he reared a Sparrow Owl, which became so tame that it 

 willingly allowed itself to be caressed at any moment of the day. 

 It destroyed a great many insects, and ate everything that was 

 given it, but showed such a very decided taste for raw meat 

 that it sometimes, without letting go its hold, hung suspended to a 

 morsel of intestine for more than ten minutes. It was on the best 

 of terms with the cat of the house ; and they were often found 

 lying close together in the same basket. The dog was never 

 able to gain the bird's affections ; and a Haven, which lived in the 

 house by the same right as the Owl, was cordially hated by it. 

 It showed much irritation at the sight of other birds, even if 

 they were only stuffed ones ; and when able to obtain possession 

 of them, carried them into a corner and plucked off their feathers 

 at leisure. It also delighted in rolling in the dust. 



A more diminutive species still, the Small Sparrow Owl, 

 inhabits the northern part of the two continents, and sometimes 

 ventures as far south as Germany. Its plumage, which is 

 ash-coloured above, below the chest is dazzling white, marked 

 with black spots. It has a white stripe round the front of its 

 neck. 



The Pampas Sparrow Owl is found in South America, and is no 

 bigger than a Thrush. This bird, though so small, has strongly- 

 developed bloodthirsty instincts ; for it slips under the wings of 

 poultry, and kills them b}^ tearing open their sides. 



Buffon classes with this species a variety which inhabits the 



